
The Nigerian culinary queen who took the world by storm last year with her record-shattering cook-a-thon, Hilda Baci, has once again set tongues wagging with her latest announcement that she will be cooking 250 bags of basmati rice in a daring attempt to prepare the largest pot of jollof rice the world has ever seen. This revelation has sparked excitement across social media, igniting discussions, debates, and wild anticipation as Nigerians and food lovers from all corners of the globe wait to see how she intends to pull off yet another history-making feat. Hilda Baci, who became a household name in 2023 after her marathon cooking session that secured her a place in the Guinness World Records, has remained a strong symbol of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride, and this new venture appears to be her boldest undertaking yet.
The announcement came during a media interaction where Hilda disclosed that the project was not just a record attempt but also a celebration of African food culture and a statement to the world about Nigeria’s culinary strength. According to her, cooking with 250 bags of basmati rice is not just about breaking a record but about showcasing the scale at which jollof, Nigeria’s most iconic dish, can unite people, spark conversations, and bring the world’s attention back to West African cuisine. Nigerians are known for their deep emotional connection with jollof rice, and the rivalry over whose version is best—Nigeria, Ghana, or Senegal—has remained one of the most deliciously heated cultural debates on the continent. With Hilda’s daring plan, many Nigerians feel their pride has found the perfect opportunity to shine brighter than ever before.
Already, conversations around logistics, preparation, and execution have taken over digital spaces. Social media platforms are buzzing with questions such as: what kind of pot can hold 250 bags of rice, how many burners will be required, how many chefs will support her, and just how many people will get to taste this historic meal? Others are raising valid concerns about safety, organization, and wastage, while many more are pledging their unshakable support for Hilda, saying that if anyone can pull it off, she can. Videos of her previous cook-a-thon have resurfaced online, reminding fans of her stamina, discipline, and determination. Those who witnessed her last attempt firsthand recall how she remained focused for days despite fatigue, earning the admiration of millions worldwide.
What makes this attempt even more exciting is the fact that jollof rice, beyond being food, has grown into a symbol of African identity, togetherness, and festivity. Weddings, birthdays, Christmas celebrations, New Year’s parties, and virtually every Nigerian gathering is incomplete without the signature smoky, spicy, tomato-based dish that has become a national treasure. By deciding to cook the largest pot of jollof ever, Hilda is not just attempting a Guinness World Record—she is throwing down the gauntlet in the long-standing jollof rivalry and putting Nigeria firmly in the driver’s seat of the conversation. The symbolism is not lost on observers, as this bold move comes at a time when African creativity and innovation are commanding greater respect globally, from music and fashion to food and art.
Preparations for the monumental cooking challenge are already in motion, with suppliers, sponsors, and culinary experts reportedly working closely with Hilda and her team to ensure every detail is meticulously planned. From sourcing 250 bags of premium basmati rice to ensuring the right balance of tomatoes, peppers, spices, and proteins, this challenge will demand coordination on an extraordinary scale. Beyond the food itself, logistics around space, equipment, fire safety, and crowd management are expected to play key roles. If her cook-a-thon experience is anything to go by, Hilda is no stranger to handling pressure, and fans believe she has what it takes to manage the moving parts of such a massive undertaking.
The potential impact of this event stretches far beyond record books. Food vendors, caterers, farmers, and local suppliers stand to benefit economically, while thousands of people are expected to gather to witness the spectacle in person. The publicity alone is bound to attract tourists, media houses, and cultural enthusiasts from across the globe, turning the event into a festival-like atmosphere. Just as the cook-a-thon boosted Nigeria’s culinary tourism, this jollof rice attempt could spark renewed interest in West African food on the international stage. Nigerian officials and cultural promoters are already being urged to see this as an opportunity to highlight the nation’s soft power and strengthen its brand on the global scene.
Reactions to Hilda’s announcement have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans flooding her social media pages with words of encouragement. Some describe her as “unstoppable,” while others hail her as the “queen of jollof.” Memes, jokes, and lighthearted banter have also trailed the news, with some netizens teasing that Ghana and Senegal may have to reconsider their claims to jollof supremacy after this record attempt. A few skeptics have raised eyebrows over whether such a feat is even achievable, pointing to the technical difficulties involved, but Hilda’s admirers are quick to counter with reminders of how she silenced doubters during her Guinness World Record cook-a-thon.
Interestingly, the announcement has sparked conversations around community feeding and social impact. Many are calling on Hilda and her team to ensure that the massive pot of rice serves underprivileged communities, orphanages, and displaced persons who would benefit from such a generous amount of food. The idea that a world record attempt could double as a humanitarian project resonates deeply with Nigerians who value communal sharing and hospitality. If this is incorporated into her plan, it could elevate the record attempt into not just a cultural showcase but a powerful act of kindness and social responsibility.
For Hilda, this moment represents more than just another milestone in her career. It is a chance to cement her legacy as not only a chef but also a cultural ambassador whose work speaks to resilience, pride, and the unifying power of food. She has consistently emphasized that her achievements are not for personal glory alone but to inspire young Nigerians and Africans at large to believe in their dreams and push boundaries, no matter how impossible they may seem. With this latest project, she is once again embodying that spirit of audacity and ambition that has become her signature.
As the countdown begins, all eyes are on Hilda Baci. The world waits to see how 250 bags of basmati rice will be transformed into the largest pot of jollof rice ever cooked. If successful, this record will not just belong to her but to every Nigerian and African who has ever boasted about the irresistible taste of their jollof. And whether you’re Nigerian, Ghanaian, Senegalese, or simply a lover of good food, one thing is certain—Hilda Baci is about to make history again, and this time, she’s doing it one giant spoon of jollof at a time.